Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Understanding Probiotics Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND If there’s one topic that is sure to confuse people it’s the topic of probiotics. Invite health has a powerful line up of probiotics. But how are they different? How do you know which one is right for …
URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) ~ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, BUT HAVE NEVER ASKED By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs as they are commonly referred to as, can affect people of all ages for various reasons. However, women seem …
The Flu
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Flu season, the dreaded time of the year when it seems like everyone has the flu. Flu season or the time of the year when the flus is at its peak usually occurs from October – May in the United States. But what really is the flu? The official name of the everyday common flu is Influenza and it is caused by a virus. (1)
Let’s do a quick review of the common symptoms of the flu. At first the flu may just feel like a cold with symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat. However the symptoms are usually worse with the flu than you would expect. The flu often involves a fever and chills as well as the sweats. There is often muscle aches as well. There may also be eye pain, headache as well as fatigue. In addition to a cough you may have shortness of breath. Children are more likely to experience vomiting and diarrhea than adults.
While anyone can get the flu there are certain risk factors that increase your chance of getting sick. The first risk for more severe illness is age. In children under 12 months or in adults over 65 there is a higher risk of severe illness. Those who work or live in locations with residents such as nursing homes or hospitals are at an increased risk of getting the flu. Those with chronic illness and a weakened immune system are also at risk of the flu. Pregnant people are also at a higher risk of developing the flu. Those who have a BMI of 40 or more are at risk for more severe illness and even complications from the flu. While most people recover quickly from the flu there are some possible complications that can occur. What are these possible complications you ask? In those under 20 years old who use long term aspirin therapy there is a risk of developing Reyes syndrome if they contract the flu. Other complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, ARDS as well as asthma flare ups. The flu can increase the risk of ear infections. Lastly the flu can affect our hear t and trigger heart problems. (2)
How is the flu transmitted? Well it’s a virus so it travels on airborne droplets just like any other viral infection. Just like with the other viral infections we have covered if Bob coughs either on you or on a surface that you then touch and then you touch your eyes, mouth or nose you can catch the flu. As you may have noticed touching a contaminated surface and then touching our eyes, mouth or nose is a very common way to get sick. So don’t touch your face and wash your hands folks! (3) Just a heads up when you have the flu you are contagious from 1 day before your symptoms start and up to 7 days after you start to feel sick. (1)
What can you do to slow the spread of the flu? Well as I’ve said before wash your hands, clean frequently touched surfaces and don’t touch your face! Be considerate and cover your coughs and sneezes. Lastly talk to your doctor to determine if the flu vaccine is right for you. In addition it’s important to support your immune system. How can we do that? Well there’s plenty of ways to help our overall immune health.
Our next topic will be the confusing world of probiotics!
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APRIL HEALTH AWARENESS~ AN INTODUCTION TO OUR TOPIC OF THE MONTH
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
April is an interesting month when it comes to health and wellness. It’s Public Health Awareness Month, but as always, awareness months are always sharing and overlapping. April also reminds us to be aware of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Alcoholism. Due to many of these being connected by lifestyle, the reproductive system, the liver and kidneys, it makes a lot of sense for these issues to all be part of our awareness for April.
As the hot summer months are fast approaching, many of these health related topics can more easily impact day to day lives. Many people are out and about, vacationing, swimming, participating in summer parties and sometimes this can lead to some over indulgence and letting our guard down.
Throughout the month, we’ll be discussing topics such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Pinkeye, Herpes/Cold Soars and Hepatitis. Having a basic understanding on how some of these viruses are spread and contracted can be invaluable. As we explore each topic throughout the month, we’ll also take a look at common ways these are spread and contracted, as well as ways to lower our risk of exposure.
Learning how to incorporate the right supplementation the appropriate way can be a key factor in protecting ourselves or recovering from certain public health issues. This month is a great time to discuss the benefits of such nutrients like L-Lysine, Green Tea, Mushrooms, Resveratrol, D-Mannose and Olive Leaf. Understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system and how to detox in a safe and healthy way can make all the difference.
SUMMER IMMUNITY PINA COLADA POPSICLE
1 cup ice
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup pineapple chunks
1 scoop Oranges Hx
1 scoop Daily Detox
2 capsules Probiotic Maintain Or 1 capsule Probiotic Hx
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add everything into a blender with the contents of the Probiotic Maintain Or Probiotic Hx capsules. Blend until smooth and pour into Popsicle molds. Freeze until solid, overnight is best. Eat and enjoy!
MORNING POWERHOUSE TEA
1 cup hot water
1 green tea bag
3 droppers Green Tea Tx
Lemon wedge, optional
Seep green tea bag in hot, boiling water for 5 minutes. Add in Green Tea Tx and stir until combined into tea. Add Lemon if desired. Sip slowly and enjoy once tea is at your preferred temperature.
COOL OFF GAZPACHO
2 beefsteak tomatoes
3 capsules Mushroom Hx
2 capsules Aged Garlic
Fresh black pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
1/4 avocado, diced
Cilantro, for garnish
Combine the tomatoes, pepper, sea salt and the contents of the Mushroom Hx and Aged Garlic capsules into a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have the consistency of a chunky soup. Pour into a bowl and garnish with cilantro and avocado. Eat as a mid-day snack and enjoy!
As you can see, we’ll be navigating these public health related issues this month with ease and learning how to manage our risk through lifestyle, supplementation and delicious, healthy recipes. I look forward to navigating this journey of learning together with you.
